Teach Soap

I like to use steam to get rid of soda ash. I wrote a blog post about it a while back: http://lather-be-soaping.blogspot.com/2 ... a-ash.html

Steaming seems to be a really effective method for getting rid of ash, and it also gets into the nooks and crannies. The soap can get slippery while steaming, so I hold it with a paper towel. Then I set it on my curing rack and let it dry. It worked great!

_________________
- Jenny -
My soapy blog:
Follow me on my

_________________
Shelia
Newbie still learning.....

Your welcome!

Thanks, JRose for the tips. I've got a soap with a swirled top that ashed on me so steaming sounds good.

_________________
Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

I have had alot of soda ash as of late. I have steamed some of it away but most of the time just leave it on as it just forms on the top of my soaps and just adds an additional dimension to it. I had wondered why? But after watching that video just realized we have not run a dehumidifier in the basement this year as it broke and we have not replaced it yet. guess we should, but the dishwasher also broke so that has to come first!

_________________
Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I really don't mind the ash if it's just a little on the top, but when it practically covers the whole bar.......dang....it just doesn't look good anymore (the worse ones are a really pretty burgundy and white ITP swirl and you can barely see the burgundy for the ash). I wish I had a steamer to try that method. In the meantime, I finally found some alcohol that was 91%. I think it worked because last batch of GM soap doesn't have any.....yet (I don't gel GM, and the other batch I made gelled).

Thanks for everyone's help.
Shelia

_________________
Shelia
Newbie still learning.....

I use rubbing alcohol faithfully all the time now, it really works! I spray it every 1/2 hour for the first 2 hours, and I haven't had a spot of ash since!

_________________
Soap Blog:

Does 91% work just as well as 99%? I already have some 91% percent on hand, but will keep my eye out for 99% if it works better.

_________________
Sudawn
Better to be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

I use 91% because I can't find 99 anywhere here, and it seems to work really well. I would say one of every 10 or 12 batches gets a little ash in small areas. I do insulate (and usually gel) my soaps too though, but I don't cover them.

I know Irena (soapbuddy) uses beeswax to avoid ash 100% of the time, and she is a fridge soaper.

_________________
Laura<3

someone said there is 99%, but I can't find any. The highest here is 91%. So far, so good.

_________________
Shelia
Newbie still learning.....

Thanks, ladies! Now if my new molds and FO's would just get here.....I could try to soap again! LOL

_________________
Sudawn
Better to be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I can't find the 99% either, so I use the 91%.

_________________
Soap Blog:

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist